Ag Department Course Descriptions
#370 – Introduction to Agriculture
Grades 9-12 4 credits
Course Description: Introduction to Agriculture is a requirement for the Agriculture Shop course that PAHS offers. Students will have the opportunity to explore different aspects of agricultural education. Throughout the year we will delve into the widely diversified field of agriculture covering many topics such as: animal science, vet science, plant science, mechanical science, natural resources, biotechnology, agri business, and many other areas with an emphasis on career exploration.
One full quarter will be spent familiarizing the students to the shop and welding using machines/equipment, among other tools. Prior to working in the shop, students will create an agri business product to be constructed during the shop quarter and possibly sold.
Because FFA is a central part of the agricultural education program, basic FFA knowledge and it’s opportunities will be integrated throughout the year. Skills learned through the FFA and classroom/laboratory instruction will be utilized for creating a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project for each individual student. Students will be assessed on performance, quizzes, tests, SAE and agri business projects, behavior, and leadership involvement.
# – Veterinary Science
Grades 9-12 4 credits
Course Description: What do you want to be when you grow up? If you want to be a veterinarian, farmer, zoologist, pet owner, or any other animal related career, then this is the class for you!!! This class will provide a realistic preview of both veterinary work and the academic rigor needed to achieve success in the profession. We will begin the year exploring cells and tissues. Throughout the year, we will investigate the different physiological systems and how they apply to nutrition, diseases, diagnosis, and surgery. Diseases may include: Mastitis, Kennel Cough, Equine Colic, Anthrax, Mad Cow Disease, West Nile Virus, Cat Scratch Disease, and many more. Field trips may include visits to local vet clinics, Ridgewater College’s Pre-Vet Program, local farms, etc to watch surgeries or demonstrate real life concepts. This course will be offered as an elective science credit. It is not required to have animal science before taking this class, but is strongly recommended as it will provide the basic foundation, terminology, and concepts that are referred to in this course. Students may have the opportunity to participate in the FFA judging teams, if desired. Students will be assessed on tests, quizzes, performance, and projects; as well as behavior, attitude, and participation.
#372 – Animal Sciences
Grades 9-12 4 credits
Course Description: This animal science course is offered to students to develop knowledge and skills pertaining to the identification, nutrition, reproduction, health, veterinary science, and management of small and large animals. Units will alternate between large production animals (cattle, etc), small pet animals (dogs, etc.) and exotic animals (alpacas, etc).
Students will have the opportunity to bring in pets and to organize and operate the FFA baby animal day in May. Classroom instruction and real-life experiences will provide students with the opportunity to explore the anatomical and physiological systems in each animal, such as digestive, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and skeletal. Students will learn how to evaluate live animals in relation to what demands there are in the meat industry. Application of knowledge learned in the classroom may take place on related field trips, student project activities, and participation in FFA judging contests. Students will be assessed on performance, quizzes, tests, student project activities, behavior, and leadership involvement.
#373 – Ag Welding Technology I
Grades 9-12 4 credits
Prerequisite: Intro to Ag or Permission of Instructor
Course Description: This new course is designed for students who plan on taking Ag Welding Technology II (Ag Shop) in their next four years to develop and improve their welding and fabrication skills in a structured classroom/shop setting. You must take and successfully complete one year of this class to get into Ag Welding Tech II. This course will only be offered on alternative years, so make sure you plan your schedule accordinglly. At the beginning of the year we will put an emphasis on safe and efficient work habits/behavior, correct usage of tools and equipment, quality work, and planning/management procedures. We will concentrate on welding/cutting principles, reading blueprints, and tool/equipment use. Class time will involve the equipment, set up, operation, and maintenance of equipment, followed by demonstrations and practice time for oxyacetylene welding and cutting, plasma cutting, arc welding, and wire feed welding. Small projects related to each area are expected for turn in throughout the first 3 quarters. The final quarter, and ONLY the final quarter, will allow the student to work on an independent project. If there is time at the end of the year, then we will explore oxyacetylene and TIG welding.
#10 – School to Work
Grades 11-12 1 credit/Quarter
Course Description: The senior high school curriculum, while comprehensive, is unable to meet all the interest and aptitude needs of all students under the current class scheduling procedures. This course is designed for students to explore the various occupational fields in the community. Students will either be placed or allowed to work in a career position according to their interests.
This class replaces the former “Work Permit” opportunity and will meet twice a quarter, once in the middle of the quarter and again on the last day of the quarter. Assignments will include a completed training agreement; work hour/duty sheets signed and turned in weekly, a reflective paper on the job activities/thoughts due at the end of each quarter, a job resume, and a mock interview. Other assignments or projects will be announced as seen fit.
Strict supervision will occur and any student who disrespects this opportunity will be removed from this course. Students will be held accountable for their academics and attendance. If a student misses 13 hours in any one period (not school to work period) within a semester, then they will have their work permit suspended until the end of the semester. If a student receives a D- or below at the end of a quarter, then they will have their work permit suspended for at least 2 weeks of the next quarter until grades are satisfactory.
THE FOLLOWING CLASSES ARE OFFERED, BUT NOT AVAILABLE.
#374 – Natural Resource Mgmt.
Grades 9-12 2 credits (Spring Semester)
Course Description: This course includes a combination of fisheries/wildlife and natural resources topics, using the approved Minnesota Natural Resources Science Curriculum. This course will be offered as an elective science credit. Various aspects of wildlife and the environment will be covered, ranging from recreational usage to environmental preservation.
Extensive coverage will occur in land use, soils, crops, forestry, water, learning about recreational trapping, hunting, and fishing, identification and knowledge of waterfowl, fish, small mammals, large mammals, and other species. Students may have the opportunity to participate in the FFA soils, wildlife management, forestry, and soils contests, if desired. Students will be assessed on performance, quizzes, tests, a hypothetical wildlife refuge project, behavior, and leadership involvement.
# – Agriculture Leadership
Grades 9-12 2 credits: Fall Semester
Course Description: Are you looking for a class that teaches realistic content that you will use for the rest of your life? Then, this is the right class for you!!! Agriculture Leadership is a class that takes all of life’s “little lessons” and wraps it all into one class with an agriculture twist. Whether you are a member, captain, or officer of sporting or non-sporting teams, after school jobs, student organizations, or community & school clubs, you can benefit from this course. The goal of this class is to help you discover and develop in the 3 following areas: premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. The course content centers on helping you make good decisions, developing good habits, setting and achieving goals, and preparing for jobs. Specific lessons may include: showing respect, understanding common travel and dining etiquette, approaching new people, being responsible and accountable, keeping a job, understanding the use of time, communicating with customers, and various other lessons. This is definitely a class for those teenagers that need a little help in interacting with others and developing their social skills.
#376 – Plant Science Grades 9-12 4 credits
Course Description: Students will work together to plan, plant, grow and care for the different varieties of plants we will grow. Some topics that will be covered include identification of plants, their parts, reproduction, respiration, water management, fertilization, and floral arranging. This course will be offered as an elective science credit. Students will participate in the FFA educational plot outside the school and floral arrangements for holidays and special events within the year. As part of the landscaping unit, students may be constructing designs in the community. If further interest, we will prepare students who wish to participate in the State Fair landscape design contest.
Opportunities through use of the student's SAE Program and FFA activities will supplement the classroom learning, if desired. A course fee will be required for students to participate in the class, with a chance to be reimbursed from either keeping arrangements and plants, or a Valentine’s Day Rose Sale and end of the year plant sale. Students may have the opportunity to participate in the FFA floriculture, nursery landscaping, and crops contests, if desired. Students will be assessed on performance, quizzes, tests, student project activities, attitude, behavior, participation, and leadership involvement.
# - Agribusiness Management Grades 9-12 4 credits
Course Description: Agribusiness Management is a new class that incorporates some items from Farm Business Management and adapts it to the general population. Students will learn about agribusinesses and what it takes to run one. They will learn how to keep financial records, identify the public’s demands for agricultural services, and the factors involved in the American economy and agriculture. This class will require students to research and tour local agribusinesses, as well as create an agribusiness of their own creative thought and knowledge. Skills learned through the FFA and classroom/laboratory instruction will be utilized for creating a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project for each individual student. Students will be assessed on performance, quizzes, tests, SAE and agri business projects, behavior, and leadership involvement.
# - Ag Welding Technology II Grades 10-12 4 credits
Course Description: This course is offered for students to provide a period for the designing and construction of a major shop project that may/may not relate to his/her home needs. You must take and successfully complete one year of Ag Welding Technology I to get into this course, as this is a more independent class. Approximately, the first two weeks will consist of a safety review, safety test, and developing your projects. At this time emphasis will be put on correct usage of tools and equipment, safe and efficient work habits/behavior, quality work, planning/management procedures, oxyfuel welding, TIG welding, and many other necessities of the welding and fabrication industry. Students will be required to know mathematical procedures for welders and complete specific welds for college credit. If these tests are passed, then students will gain college credit at St. Cloud Technical College. These principles will then be applied to creating the student’s planned projects.
Students will work independently, unless otherwise approved by the instructor. Projects can be made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, with the intent to work in the Metals Ag Shop!! Projects may also be farm, natural resources, or recreational in nature. Students will be graded on daily participation, house keeping, behavior/attitude, as well as on their project(s).
Parents should be aware if their son/daughter is taking this or other shop classes. Will there be project materials for them? The school DOES NOT provide project material and is not responsible for items brought into the shop.
# 377 – Equine Science Grades 9-12 2 credits: Fall Semester
Course Description: This class is focused on learning about horses. The beginning of the semester will address basic equine knowledge such as history, breeds, identification, conformation, and judging. Then, we will explore concepts in anatomy, physiology, reproducing, nutrition, health, equine facilities, and management. The remaining weeks will concentrate on equitation (riding/showing). There may be a possibility of going to a riding stable. Students may have the opportunity to participate in the FFA horse judging contest, if desired. Students will be assessed on tests, quizzes, performance, and projects; as well as behavior, attitude, and participation.